East Wind

The east wind chills
as it sweeps out
the scars of the
beautiful surface,
still new.

He’s opening
the ice rink alone…

Forty-three seasons,
she’d always found a way
to be there by his side,
that is until today.

None of them
will notice.
They’ll all just
pass on through.

No secret spices
in the cider,
and store bought
cakes will do.

Little touches missing,
no rose in his lapel.

The little ones with bruises,
who will they run and tell?

She knew them all,
that’s why they came.
No more favorite pairs
set out by name.

He worries, will
the new girl show,
and will she be
as kind?

Can’t wait any longer,
the ice, it must be done.
He’ll leave the side door open,
won’t know if she’s begun.

So much is out of our control.
Try as we might, won’t do.
So much we treasure, lost,
but some things can be made new.

He guides the great Zambonie,
and heals the ice once more.
The sun streaks through the buildings,
and a light comes through the door.

The rink is opened right on time.
In line the people stand—they came.
He rounds the corner of the shop,
and hears them call his name.

He smells hot cider brewing,
and fresh cakes are baking near.
Turns the final corner,
and drops a single tear.

The skates are on the counter,
each pair by name in rows.
The new girl holds the gate.
Each patron holds a rose.

I wrote this poem as a tribute to kind of faithfulness lived out by my maternal grandparents (and much of their generation). I chose it this month for my blog submission because of the opportunity we will all have on Valentine’s Day to express appreciation for the faithful ones we love. But, I think now I see an additional message in this piece for us leaders.

As Leaders, how often we doubt the impact of all our efforts!

Despite all God’s promises…

…so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)

The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverb 16:9 NASB)

…He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. (Psalm 127:2 NASB)

…we often have such a hard time letting go of worry, doubt and self-condemnation. If we but took Him at his work, we could choose to rest in His sufficiency, for we don’t know all that He is doing through our following His lead, especially while we are looking the other way!

While we are looking at the low turnout, our kind words to a coworker heals a broken heart.

While we are torn up inside by realizing we forget to say that awesome closing line in point two of our sermon, a husband takes point three to heart and asks his wife for forgiveness.

While we suffer days of embarrassment and shame over our lack of patience with our child, He rejoices in the effect our humble repentance and asking for forgiveness is having on the whole family.

While we look back and see our lack of performance, He looks forward and sees the victories He will bring about through our faithfulness!

Let us keep our eyes on Him, follow, and hear Him saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

This is part of my Poetry/Devotional book THE GRACE OF RAIN. It is available on Amazon.com.

About Kirk Manton

Kirk Manton is a proud alumnus of The Journey and a continuiing contributor to our work of transforming leaders. Kirk serves as the Director of Production Services at Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo and volunteers with the C.S. Lewis Foundation. You can connect with Kirk and learn more about his writing at kirkmanton.com.